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9 Must Have Tarot Decks for Beginner’s, Easy to Learn, Classic, Best First Tarot Decks!

Hello Everyone! Here, I’ve compiled a list of the best beginner’s tarot decks! These decks are all easy to understand, easy to learn, and easy to interpret. When buying your first tarot deck, make sure to choose one that really speaks to you. The decks with more imagery and symbols can be easy to look at and interpret for yourself which is very helpful when you’re just starting out. Although you may choose any deck as a beginner deck, hopefully these are a bit easier to learn than most. Choose wisely, you never forget your first tarot deck!

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Make sure to also check out the following articles if you can’t find a tarot deck that suits you here:

The first deck on this list really must to be The Universal Rider Waite Tarot Deck. This is probably the most popular and classic tarot deck in the English speaking world. Any version of this deck will be very similar. While studying Tarot you have probably noticed that this deck is the most reoccurring. Published in 1910, the deck was illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith with the instructions from the mystic A.E. White. Numerous learning material often references The Rider-Waite deck as a foundation when first learning tarot. It was one of the first decks that included complex imagery for not only the major arcana but also the minor. This is probably the safest bet for beginners; the hidden symbols and imagery really help to understand the true meaning of the card. Any of the variations of this deck are also helpful, it has been redone many times over all the years.

The Robin Wood deck is also a great deck for beginner’s, because is has very similar meaning to the Rider-Waite deck which is considered a classic. This deck is often labeled a pagan deck, replacing the old christian and catholic symbolism with earthy and natural symbols and beings. This deck is very fairytale-esque which some people really enjoy, and others seem to hate. If you are a nature and woodland loving individual you will really enjoy this deck.

3. Revelations Tarot by Zach Wong

The Revelations tarot deck is very colorful, modern, and aesthetically pleasing. Wong’s style of art is unique and interesting Alot of this deck uses geometric art and shapes which really gives it a contemporary feel. Great for a first deck! This deck is very unique in that you are able to see the symbolism for the reversed meaning of the card when drawn in reverse! It’s like having 2 cards in one. When flipped the meaning will be obvious. Great deck for beginners, especially if you plan on reading reversed cards as well!

This deck is known as the Easy Tarot, and I’ve also seen it advertised as the Gilded tarot. The easy tarot was actually my first tarot deck ever! I remember my mom buying it for me because it was the cheapest deck in Barnes and Nobel! So, I really had to include it on this list. The imagery is helpful when looking for meaning in the art. With a more modern take and interpretation, the colors are vibrant and the shading gives it an almost 3D effect. Yet another deck that keeps the same symbolism and basic layout as the Rider-Waite deck, with a modern contemporary twist. Each card appears to be set in the cosmos, rather than traditional decks. The vibrant colors really jump when viewing this deck in person. If you are interested in this steampunk fantasy-esque deck, it would be the perfect first set!

The Llewellyns’ Classic tarot deck, is just that, a classic. Relying heavily on the Rider Waite deck for most of the imagery and symbols, it also has a clear and distinct modern tone that is refreshing. If you are tired of seeing the Rider-Waite traditional artwork, this deck may be a great compromise for you. This Llewellyn Classic set is extremely easy to read and understand, making it perfect for those who are new to tarot.

The Shadowscapes tarot deck is absolutely beautiful, which is one of the main reasons it made it on the list. It is truly important that you find a first tarot deck that attracts you, that you find appealing, a deck that you want to look at. This may seem obvious but there are so many decks to choose from there is no reason to get stuck with one you’re not completely happy with! Each card in this deck is a detailed and symbolic piece of art. If you are a fan of fantasy and faeries this deck will be perfect for you. Each card is also fairly easy to learn and understand based on the actions of the faeries!

The Aquarian is a very interesting tarot deck! Another classic, it contains many traditional symbols and artwork. The unique use of red and orange and blue really drew me to this deck. Although considered a classic today, the deck is different from traditional imagery. This deck has almost a ‘mid-century modern’ feel to it. The symbols in this deck are a bit more complicated to understand than other decks, also lacking some symbolism found in the Rider-Waite. With a very aesthetically pleasing twist compared to other decks at the time, in the 70’s the Aquarian tarot deck was revolutionary!

If you have been searching for tarot decks it is likely you’ve already seen The Wild Unknown tarot deck. It is quickly becoming a modern classic, at least with the new wave generation of readers! The designs are simple yet stunning at the same moment. About a year or two ago I chose to buy this deck, as I was rediscovering and rekindling my interest in tarot; it had been over 5 years since I had bought a new deck. It was an easy transition relearning the meanings with this deck! The contrast and emphasis of the vibrant colors and black and white background, really sold me on this one. I believe this deck is a good first deck because its use of animals and nature are easy references when learning the meanings of the cards. This is a deck you will not get tired of looking at!

The Linestrider tarot deck is one of my favorite sets available! Although, you may not see this deck usually recommended for beginner’s, I feel that an important aspect to finding cards for tarot is actually enjoying the art. I know that for some of you, the traditional, classic decks are just not aesthetically appealing. That is the main reason I am including these artworks, to reassure that any deck may be used as a beginner deck if you are visually attracted to it. The design on the cards is a mostly white background, with water colored main focal points on each. This deck is not overwhelmed with symbols or complex imagery, just simplistic and minimalistic illustrations. I would describe the Linestrider as clean, simple, and calm.

Thank you so much for reading! Have an amazing day! I hope you find the best first tarot deck for you!

6 thoughts on “9 Must Have Tarot Decks for Beginner’s, Easy to Learn, Classic, Best First Tarot Decks!”

Nice list! I agree with most of them. A couple I think are destined to become “fad” decks (Wild Unknown, Linestrider), and not everyone is moved by gauzy watercolor paintings of fairies (Shadowscapes). I would add the Morgan Greer and perhaps the Connolly as good beginner decks.

Thanks for your feedback! The Wild Unknown and Linestrider are two of my favorite 🙂 but I understand what you are saying. The daintier and less intense decks are what drew me to tarot after a short hiatus, that’s why I chose to include them! I prefer Connolly over Morgan Greer but those are also great suggestions! Have a wonderful day thank you for commenting!

The Gilded Tarot was my first proper study deck and it is a great starter deck – I think it’s the book/box set that is called Easy Tarot, and it includes the Gilded Tarot. That’s definitely it’s name ☺️

It’s a good deck and the Easy Tarot is a good system for learning it! I got a Rider Waite deck more than 20 years ago but didn’t get very far with it. Then I got the Sharman-Casselli deck (another good one for your list!) with images very similar to the Rider Waite but slightly more attractive to me – but I didn’t feel like I really got a grip on Tarot until I got the Gilded Tarot about 15 years ago and everything clicked in to place. The right deck really is important! Good luck on your Tarot Journey xx

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